• Home
  • /
  • Medical Mythbuster

Category Archives: Medical Mythbuster

Medical Mythbuster: Can Getting Scared Actually Be Healthy?

Halloween is that time of year when getting frightened becomes very popular. When you get scared, like when you watch a scary movie or visit a haunted house, your …

Medical Mythbuster: Does a Pumpkin Spice Latte Really Contain as Much Sugar as Two Snickers Bars?

Well, not quite, but it’s very close. Two full-size Snickers bars contain 54 grams of sugar, while a 16 oz. pumpkin spice latte from your favorite coffee chain contains …

Medical Mythbuster: Are there really heavy metals in chocolate?

If you really love chocolate, you may want to sit down before reading this article. A recent study has shown that many cocoa-containing products such as chocolate contain concerning …

Medical Mythbuster: Shark Attacks in the US keep rising…

Actually, the good news is that shark attacks in the United States have trended down in recent years, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF).The chance of …

Medical Mythbuster: My picnic food will be safe as long as I keep it in the shade

Whether your summer picnic is at the beach or in your backyard, it important to know that just keeping your food in the shade isn’t enough to keep it …

Medical Mythbuster: Do Natural Insect Repellants Really Keep the Bugs Away?

Whether you enjoy spending leisurely evenings in the backyard or time hiking in the woods, you’re bound to come across some annoying bugs. Since some insects like mosquitoes and …

Medical Mythbuster: Fried Foods Won’t Harm My Health…

If your doctor has told you to limit or avoid eating fried foods, it’s for a good reason. This is because there is strong evidence that regularly eating fried …

Medical Mythbuster: Can eating black licorice really increase your blood pressure?

It certainly can! Glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice root, can raise your blood pressure significantly. Consuming too much licorice can cause the body’s potassium levels to fall, which …

Medical Mythbuster: Shoveling Snow Can Cause a Heart Attack

This is frighteningly true for some people, especially those living with heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. Living in New England, we are all too familiar with shoveling out …

Medical Mythbuster: Can sitting in front of a bright light really help you beat the winter blues?

The shorter days of winter, with their grey skies and reduced sunlight can really affect people’s mood, leading to what is often called the “winter blues.” Fortunately, light therapy, …

Medical Mythbuster: Enjoying a few cocktails won’t make me gain weight this holiday season

Many of us looking forward to an annual holiday party probably wish this were true. However, the fact is that alcoholic drinks can contribute to weight gain during the …

Medical Mythbuster: It’s not safe to eat unshelled pumpkin seeds

You may only be used to eating shelled pumpkin seeds bought in a store, but’s it’s perfectly fine to eat the whole seeds too. They make a delicious snack …

Medical Mythbuster: Can You Really Get Enough Vitamin D from the Sun?

Vitamin D is an important vitamin when it comes to our health, helping to prevent fractures and osteoporosis as well as bolster the immune system. While it’s true that …

Medical Mythbuster: Do You Really Need to Take 10,000 Steps a Day?

By Linda Dylewicz, PT Director of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Many people who wear fitness trackers set a goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day as part of their …

Can You Really Die from Drinking Too Much Water?

By Felipe Fernandez del Castillo, MD Division of Nephrology It’s true, in certain instances overhydration (also known as water intoxication) can be a real health danger. In fact, there …

Medical Mythbuster: Is “Ozempic Butt” an Actual Medical Problem?

Chances are, you’ve heard of Ozempic and similar medications such as Wegovy that have been all over the news and social media recently. Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug …

Can walking just 11 minutes a day really lower your risk of death?

According to a new study of physical activity, disease risk, and mortality, the answer is yes. The findings showed that just 11 minutes of exercise per day can lower …

Does Eating More Fiber Help with Constipation?

For many years, it has been widely accepted that dietary fiber intake is important for proper gut health and to promote regular bowel movements. However, are there any relevant …

Medical Mythbuster: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

Growing up, our parents sometimes warned us that cracking our knuckles will “cause arthritis.” Fortunately, those who like to lean back in their chair and give their knuckles a …

Is Red Wine Really Good for Your Heart?

Moderate alcohol consumption has long been known to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, does red wine offer more protection to the heart than other alcoholic beverages? Fortunately …

Medical Mythbuster: Does a Dry January lead to a Boozy February?

After enjoying adult beverages around the holidays, did you participate in the popular annual challenge called “Dry January,” a month of abstinence from drinking alcoholic beverages? While abstaining from …

Medical Mythbuster: Are Poinsettias Really Dangerous?

Well, not exactly. These plants, which are very popular around the holiday season, do have some low toxicity to people and animals (as do many other plants). However, they …

Medical Mythbuster: Can You Actually Be Allergic to the Cold?

Yes, it’s true, you really can have an allergic reaction to cold temperatures, with symptoms such as an itchy rash, redness, swelling and hives. Known by healthcare providers as …

Medical Mythbuster: Falling Is Inevitable As We Age

Fortunately, this is false. Even though falls are a big risk for older Americans, they are not an inevitable part of aging. By taking preventative steps, everyone has the …

Medical Mythbuster: Can You Really Die from a Jellyfish Sting?

Fortunately, most jellyfish stings while very painful are not life-threatening. However, a few species are deadly and the venom from their sting can kill a person in a matter …

Close

Am I eligible to use Virtual ReadyMED?

Are you or the patient 4+ years old?
Are you in Massachusetts at time of video visit?
Do you have a Reliant PCP?
Do you have access to email on the device you are using?
By continuing I’m giving Reliant permission to communicate with me via text or email to complete this visit.
Close

Am I eligible to use Virtual ReadyMED?

Do you have a MyChart account?